North Carolina Community Colleges Lead the Charge for Adult Learners at Inaugural Conference
In November, the NC Community College System hosted the inaugural Adult Learning Conference to bring together community college leaders, educators, workforce development partners, and thought leaders to explore strategies for improving outcomes and experiences for adult learners.
More than 200 faculty and staff members from community colleges, 4-year institutions, and partners across North Carolina and other states, including, Colorado, Illinois, and Florida, attended the conference, which was an extension of the REACH Collaborative, a consortium aimed at enhancing access and success for underrepresented adults in higher education.
Participants had the opportunity to hear firsthand stories from students and attended more than 20 sessions on topics ranging from childcare services, pathways from work to degree programs, and Credit for Prior Learning practices.
“The overall goal of the Adult Learning Conference was to provide an opportunity for college leaders who are working with adult learners to share what had, and had not, worked over the last three years. We also wanted attendees to hear directly from adult students about their college experiences, and to take that with them back to their work,” said Dr. Patrick Crane, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at the System. “Keisha Jones brought together an amazing group of students, and I know attendees appreciated hearing from them. Finally, we wanted to give attendees some information to equip them as they look ahead to changes in their student demographics, learner expectations, and the possible impacts of AI. Dr. Laura Ullrich from the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond did an amazing job providing that context.”
Adult learners make up 40% of higher education students and 55% of enrolled students in the NC Community College System, and this conference tackled the unique and evolving needs of this vital group. Featuring expert-led panels, discussions on cutting-edge DEIB initiatives, and highlights of innovative programs like biotechnology training, attendees exchanged best practices to enhance advising, financial aid, course scheduling, and campus culture.
“Our community colleges are doubling down on their efforts to make sure they are positioned to meet the unique needs of adult learners, many of whom are juggling multiple responsibilities and/or barriers,” said Dr. Jeff Cox, System President. “Many of our students are working multiple jobs, raising children, caring for aging parents, and facing serious challenges with food, housing and transportation insecurity. Our colleges must meet our adult students where they are and help them remove barriers so they can prosper and ultimately complete a degree or credential to give them access to jobs paying a family-sustaining wage.”
The interactive Adult Learner Experience gallery walk also debuted at the conference, marking a significant milestone in enhancing support for adult learners across community colleges. This innovative installation combines physical and digital interactive displays with faculty resources, all designed to deepen instructors’ understanding of the diverse challenges faced by adult learners.
As the NC Community College System continues to prioritize the success of adult learners, this conference serves as a foundation for ongoing efforts to create accessible, inclusive, and impactful educational opportunities that help individuals achieve their goals and contribute to the economic vitality of their communities.
